Happy Birthday to Pediatric Interactions!

Happy birthday to Pediatric Interactions! We are celebrating our 23rd year of helping families. This month, we’re sharing fun birthday activities for your child.

Start with the planning of the party. Let your child help with ideas and making decorations, games, or gifts. There are a lot of local places to have parties. You can reserve a spot with the Grayslake Park District. Check out the play space at Play Tyme Gym or The Gymnastics Factory if you’re looking for more movement. It’s getting near summer and pool parties at the Grayslake Aquatic Center can be fun. Want to plan something at home? Think of a creative theme and start gathering the decorations and games.

Is there a special interest your child has to build the theme of the party around? Superheros or princesses can be fun for kids to come dressed up to the party. Does your child have a favorite animal? "Under the Sea" can be a fun party theme. You can include ocean animals or characters from "The Little Mermaid." Plan a safari with animals and play fun exploration activities like creating binoculars to look for animals. Use your child's favorite character, such as "Paw Patrol," and have a (stuffed) puppy adoption center. Other good ideas are dinosaurs or even unicorns. Is your child into sports? Offer different games and decorations featuring their favorite team or sport. Create a space theme and use glow-in-the-dark decorations and games. How about cars/transportation?

Birthday parties can be fun, but overwhelming for some kids. Think about having a smaller group of kids and more organized activities. Instead of "free play" which can confuse some kids, plan games. Try a scavenger hunt, a craft station, or a movie corner with their favorite films.  Provide a variety of different activities. Some kids have different sensory preferences. You can have a fun wet area with a bubble station as well as a soft play area or a quiet reading corner. This creates a "quiet space" for kids who may need to calm down or get away from all the excitement.  

Decorations for parties don't have to be expensive. Check out our Pinterest "Birthday" page for themes, games, food, and gift ideas.